May 12th, 2003

Regents Update is distributed following the South Dakota Board of Regents' regular business meeting.  Click on the headline below for the full news release. 
For editorial information contact Tracy Mercer at tracym@ris.sdbor.edu .

05-09-03

Campus Advisory Group Appointed for DSU Presidential Search
Eleven people have been appointed by the South Dakota Board of Regents to serve as a Campus Advisory Committee to aid in the search for a new president at Dakota State University in Madison.

New Academic Program Meets Computer Security Needs
The South Dakota Board of Regents approved preliminary plans Friday for a new academic degree program to meet the growing demand for persons trained in computer security and information assurance.

Student Groups from SDSMT, BHSU Recognized
The South Dakota Board of Regents presented awards Friday to student organizations from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and Black Hills State University.

South Dakota Library Network to Switch Software
The South Dakota Board of Regents today approved a contract for installing new software to improve the South Dakota Library Network's (SDLN's) operation, replacing an outdated system. The Regents operate the library network on behalf of member libraries across the state.

05-08-03

USD School of Medicine & Health Sciences Building Moves to Design Phase
The South Dakota Board of Regents Thursday approved plans for a new University of South Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences building in Vermillion. Approval means USD officials can proceed with the design phase of the $31.7 million project. Nearly $26.7 million in funds already have been raised.

New Agreement Reached for Student Health Insurance
The South Dakota Board of Regents Thursday approved amendments to the current student health insurance contract designed to keep costs affordable for students.  The contract is in its third and final year.

Biology, Elementary Education are State's Top Academic Majors
Biology and elementary education are the two most popular majors among bachelor's degree seekers in South Dakota's public university system. The South Dakota Board of Regents was briefed Thursday on enrollment reports from the 2001-02 academic year.


In other news...
05-10-03

Retiring SDSMT President Receives Honorary Doctorate
Richard Gowen, retiring president of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, was awarded an honorary doctorate in public service Saturday for his outstanding record of public service to South Dakota.

05-02-03

National Poll Shows Higher Education Enjoys Strong Public Support
A national public opinion poll reports Americans strongly support higher education, but the poll's real value may be in its secondary findings, the executive director of the South Dakota Board of Regents said Friday.